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Why is JCB using hydrogen?

To reach net-zero targets for construction equipment, JCB need to use alternative fuels to fossil fuels. While bio-based fuels offer carbon reduction, they do not eliminate carbon emissions from the machine.  There are many benefits of hydrogen fuel that make it a viable alternative to diesel – which is why we’ve invested £100 million in the JCB hydrogen project.

Find out more of the benefits below.

There are many benefits of hydrogen fuel that make it a viable alternative to diesel – which is why we’ve invested £100 million in the JCB hydrogen project. These include:

  • Hydrogen’s unique combustion properties mean it delivers the same power, torque and efficiency that already fuels JCB machines, but in a zero-carbon way.
  • It makes use of a readily available resource: hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
  • It’s an affordable, cost-effective option that doesn’t rely on the precious metals needed for electric machines.
  • A hydrogen engine benefits people in that it works in a very similar way to the current combustion engine – giving users confidence because they know how to work the technology.  
  • As the hydrogen engine is so similar in design, it also has the potential to be mass produced using the same supply chains and factories – making a hydrogen economy very achievable.

So why use hydrogen as fuel? As JCB Chairman Lord Bamford best puts it:

"It is a technology which is cost effective, robust, reliable and well known throughout not just the construction and agricultural industry, but the whole world."